Na Ericeira, no Largo do Cruzeiro, o nosso olhar é despertado por esta porta de madeira dupla com detalhes esculpidos com motivos marítimos (cordas, remos, etc.) e pequenas aberturas. A porta está enquadrada por uma moldura decorada com pequenos seixos recolhidos na praia. Arquitetura e ‘design’ únicos, refletindo a cultura local da Ericeira, uma vila conhecida pelas suas tradições marítimas em Portugal.

A lazy summer day in Mörkö, sunshine, serenity, and woolly siesta vibes as the sheep squad perfect the art of chilling by the barn. Serious sheep squad goals meet classic Scandinavian charm.

Woolly hugs from Mörkö! Your visits, faves, and kind words bring a little extra sunshine to my day. Thanks for sharing the joy and fluffy moments with me.

Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Ronda, Spain, these restaurants offer breathtaking views over El Tajo Gorge. A unique blend of Andalusian architecture and elevated dining makes this spot a must-see (and must-taste) for any traveler.

My wife and I drove by this field on a late August morning on our way to the local wildlife refuge. I've always thought the big round hay bales like these have a wonderful rustic look. I also figured that with the right clouds in mid-afternoon light they might make a nice subject for an infrared photo. Later that afternoon, as I was thinking an afternoon nap sounded nice, the darn clouds got nice so I dragged myself out to the car with my full spectrum rig and took the arduous three-mile drive over there.

I opted for the 720 nanometer cut filter, which has quickly become my favorite. This filter allows only the extreme red end of the visible part of the spectrum to reach the camera's sensor along with the near-infrared part that the human eye can't detect. After swapping the red and blue color channels digitally so it doesn't look like a hay field in a nuclear apocalypse, the result is the wonderfully surreal look you see here.

This dreamy infrared landscape captures a field of round hay bales beneath a sweeping sky, with mountains rising in the distance. The surreal tones highlight the quiet beauty of open farmland and the contrast between earth and sky. Perfect for those who love rustic countryside scenery, wide-open spaces, or unique perspectives on rural life.

A striking choice for decorating farmhouse kitchens, rustic cabins, or modern offices looking for a bold and conversation-starting piece. Collectors of infrared landscapes will especially appreciate the ethereal light and tonal shifts. A wonderful piece for residents of agricultural regions or anyone with fond memories of life in the country.

photo rights reserved by Ben

Sighnaghi is a charming town in Georgia’s wine region of Kakheti, often referred to as the City of Love. It is known for its cobblestone streets, colorful wooden balconies, and panoramic views over the Alazani Valley. The town was fortified in the 18th century with defensive walls and watchtowers, built under King Erekle II, and still carries an authentic atmosphere of history and tradition. In this photo, you can see a typical street scene of Sighnaghi with a traditional wooden balcony painted in vibrant colors, standing out beautifully against the light façade. This street is part of the Chalaubani–Signagi–Anaga Street, which winds through the historic center and leads uphill to Irakli II Square and the ancient city walls. It’s a place where visitors slowly wander upward, passing small restaurants, wine bars, and local shops, constantly discovering new details and charming views. These picturesque streets form the heart of Sighnaghi, where you can not only admire the architecture but also experience the warm hospitality of the region.

The colorful wooden balconies of Sighnaghi are a hallmark of the town’s charm, blending Georgian and 19th-century European styles. Often decorated with intricate carvings and bright glass details, they overlook the cobblestone streets and add a romantic, historic feel to the city. These balconies reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage and offer stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

Sighnaghiis een charmant stadje in de Georgische wijnregio Kakheti, ook wel bekend als de City of Love. Het staat bekend om zijn geplaveide straatjes, kleurrijke houten balkons en panoramische uitzichten over de Alazani-vallei. De stad werd in de 18e eeuw versterkt met stadsmuren en wachttorens, gebouwd onder koning Irakli II, en ademt nog steeds een authentieke sfeer van geschiedenis en traditie. Op deze foto zie je een typisch straatbeeld van Sighnaghi met zijn traditionele houten balkon in vrolijke kleuren, dat prachtig afsteekt tegen de lichte gevel. Deze straat maakt deel uit van de Chalaubani–Signagi–Anaga-straat, die door het historische centrum loopt en omhoog leidt naar het Irakli II-plein en de oude stadsmuren. Het is een plek waar bezoekers langzaam omhoog wandelen, langs kleine restaurants, wijnbars en lokale winkels, en telkens weer verrast worden door nieuwe doorkijkjes en details. Deze sfeervolle straatjes vormen samen het hart van Sighnaghi, waar je niet alleen de architectuur bewondert, maar ook de warme gastvrijheid van de regio ervaart.

Thanks to all who comment or favorite; it is always appreciated!

This is a photo of an abandoned building near Volney, VA. It looks like it used to be a gas or service station. The building's design is typical of the United States' early to mid-20th-century service stations. The steeply pitched roof, brick construction, and decorative elements suggest a design influenced by the Tudor Revival style, which was popular for commercial buildings then. These buildings were often meant to blend in with residential architecture and provide motorists with a welcoming and homey feel.

Service stations like this one were usually part of a more extensive network operated by major oil companies. The distinct signage has faded, and the layout indicates that it was once a busy hub for travelers looking for fuel and automotive services. Its decline and eventual abandonment reflect broader changes in transportation and the rise of larger, more modern gas stations.

Thanks for viewing! If you like this photo, please favorite it and follow for more. Have you seen other abandoned buildings with unique architecture? Share your finds in the comments below!

In the heart of Osaka, where cherry blossoms bloom,

Stands a castle of grandeur, dispelling the gloom.

Its walls whisper tales of warriors and lore,

As petals of Sakura gently implore.

The pond below mirrors the castle’s grace,

A tranquil reflection, a serene embrace.

In the season of blossoms, where dreams intertwine,

Osaka Castle stands, timeless and divine.

#OsakaCastle

#SakuraSeason

#CherryBlossoms

#Japan

#Reflection

#HistoricalBeauty

#TravelJapan

#SpringInJapan

#JapanesePoetry

#Serenity

#snap_skies

#snap_foggy

#snap_europe

#snap_landscape

#snap_mountains

#snap_seasons

#snap_travel

#Adventure

#RusticCharm

#snap_world

#podium

#pictas

#verotography

#NikonZ8

✨#Sky #Tree #Reflection #Outdoors #BodyOfWater #Lake #Building #Plant #Travel”

photo rights reserved by Ben

Sighnaghi, located in the picturesque Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, is known as the “City of Love” and is famous for its historic charm and sweeping views over the Alazani Valley. Surrounded by medieval walls and towers, the town exudes a serene, timeless atmosphere. This photo captures houses nestled along the hillsides of the Ethnographic Park in Sighnaghi. The park is a lush, wooded area filled with cypress trees and vibrant foliage, especially stunning in autumn when the landscape is painted in warm shades of yellow, orange, and red. The homes, some traditional and others more modern, seem almost hidden within the dense greenery, evoking the feeling of a secluded village in nature. At the top of the hill, a few distinctive buildings are framed by tall, slender cypress trees, typical of the region. This area offers not only breathtaking views but is also a favorite spot for leisurely walks and moments of quiet away from the town. The Ethnographic Park reflects the harmony between nature and architecture that defines Sighnaghi’s unique beauty.

Houses quietly blending with nature, surrounded by cypress trees and autumn colors, beautifully nestled in the serene hills of Sighnaghi’s Ethnographic Park.

Sighnaghi, gelegen in de schilderachtige regio Kakheti in Oost-Georgië, staat bekend als de “City of Love” en is beroemd om zijn historische charme en prachtige vergezichten over de Alazani-vallei. De stad is omringd door middeleeuwse stadsmuren en torens, en ademt een rustige, bijna tijdloze sfeer. Op deze foto zien we woningen die verspreid liggen tegen de heuvels van het Ethnographic Park in Sighnaghi. Het park is een groen en bosrijk gebied vol cipressen en kleurrijke loofbomen, vooral in de herfst wanneer het landschap in warme tinten van geel, oranje en rood wordt gehuld. De huizen, sommige traditioneel en andere moderner, lijken bijna verscholen tussen het dichte bladerdek, wat het gevoel van een verborgen dorp in de natuur versterkt. Bovenop de heuvel zie je een paar opvallende gebouwen, omringd door ranke cipressen die typerend zijn voor de regio. Dit gebied biedt niet alleen een prachtig uitzicht, maar is ook een geliefde plek voor wandelingen en om even te ontsnappen aan de drukte van de stad. Het Ethnographic Park weerspiegelt de harmonie tussen natuur en architectuur waar Sighnaghi zo bekend om staat.

video rights reserved by Ben

Two young women deliver a mesmerizing version of Svanetian Round Dance – Prairie Voices in the cozy Oasis Club in Udabno. While others are still dining or listening quietly, their voices rise in raw, trance-like harmony — echoing the ancient mountain songs of Svaneti. A gentle ukulele adds a soft rhythmic layer beneath the polyphonic vocals, blending tradition with a modern, personal touch. It’s an intimate and unexpected moment of living folklore in the vast Georgian steppe. The Svan people are an ethnic subgroup of Georgians, originating from the mountainous region of Svaneti in the northwest of the country. They speak their own language, Svan, which is related to Georgian but mutually unintelligible. Svans are known for their strong cultural identity and deep sense of community. Oasis Club is a vibrant mix of restaurant and hostel, located in the heart of Georgia’s semi-desert. The restaurant serves a unique blend of Georgian and European dishes, all prepared by local cooks from Udabno. On weekends, the venue often hosts live music by regional artists. One of the highlights of Oasis Club is the evening campfire — the perfect way to relax under the stars after a day of exploring.

Two young women perform a haunting version of a traditional Svanetian round dance at Oasis Club in Udabno. Their raw, trance-like vocals fill the space as guests quietly dine. A powerful moment of living Georgian folklore in the desert. The atmosphere is homely, but the singing draws the attention with hypnotic repetition and raw energy. Despite the small setting and the soft string sound, an almost trance-like layering is created – typical of Svanetic polyphony. The girls combine old Caucasian singing with modern, personal interpretation, which gives an authentic and contemporary feel. In the middle of a remote desert steppe village, the echo of an ancient mountain culture resounds – living, breathing, and shared with everyone who happens to be sitting at the table.

Twee jonge vrouwen brengen een betoverende versie van Svanetian Round Dance – Prairie Voices in de knusse Oasis Club van Udabno. Terwijl anderen nog zitten te eten of stil luisteren, stijgen hun stemmen op in rauwe, tranceachtige harmonie — een echo van de eeuwenoude bergzang uit Svanetië. Een zachte ukulele voegt een subtiele ritmische laag toe onder de gelaagde zang, en versmelt zo traditie met een persoonlijke, moderne interpretatie. Een intiem en onverwacht moment van levende folklore, midden in de uitgestrekte Georgische steppe. De sfeer is huiselijk, maar de zang trekt de aandacht met hypnotiserende herhaling en rauwe energie. Ondanks de kleine setting en het zachte snaargeluid ontstaat een bijna tranceachtige gelaagdheid – typisch voor Svanetische polyfonie. De meisjes brengen oude Kaukasische zang samen met moderne, persoonlijke interpretatie, wat een authentiek én eigentijds gevoel geeft. Midden in een afgelegen woestijnsteppe-dorp klinkt zo de echo van een eeuwenoude bergcultuur – levend, ademend, en gedeeld met iedereen die toevallig aan tafel zit. Svanetiërs zijn een etnische subgroep van de Georgiërs, afkomstig uit de bergachtige regio Svanetië in het noordwesten van het land. Ze spreken hun eigen taal, Svan, die verwant is aan het Georgisch maar onderling niet verstaanbaar is. Ze staan bekend om hun sterke culturele identiteit en hechte gemeenschapsgevoel. Oasis Club is een levendige combinatie van restaurant en hostel, gelegen in het hart van de Georgische semi-woestijn. Het restaurant biedt een unieke mix van Georgische en Europese gerechten, bereid door lokale koks uit Udabno. In het weekend zijn er regelmatig concerten van lokale muzikanten. Eén van de hoogtepunten van Oasis Club was het gezellige kampvuur 's avonds – perfect om te ontspannen onder de sterrenhemel na een dag vol ontdekkingen.

International Harvester 955 at Holbeach Town and Country Fayre 2023.

Please check out my photos on Instagram as well!

www.instagram.com/andrewwall.photography/

An elderly man in Hanoi, Vietnam, proudly holds his rooster amidst a backdrop of traditional bamboo baskets. His warm smile and the rustic setting capture the essence of Vietnamese rural life and heritage.

In 'Mystical Riverside Gathering: A Winter Night's Tale', digital artistry and traditional aesthetics merge. Created using Midjourney for the initial artwork and further refined through Photoshop, this piece captures a serene winter night by a river, illuminated by a captivating campfire

A lone, leafless tree stands quietly by the roadside, facing an endless stretch of fields under a brooding sky. The dramatic clouds and muted light set a contemplative mood — as if nature is holding its breath before the rain arrives. A frame that speaks of solitude, resilience, and the timeless beauty of rural landscapes.

Borgoumont, Belgium, Nestled in the heart of Borgoumont, this stunning stone building showcases intricate architecture, surrounded by vibrant greenery and a moody sky overhead, inviting exploration.

Created using a blend of digital art techniques, this piece was initially rendered in Midjourney, capturing the isolated beauty of a remote aerodrome in a cold desert steppe. Post-production enhancements were meticulously applied in Photoshop, adding depth, contrast, and a vivid interplay of light and shadow to bring this minimalist yet evocative scene to life.

Oppført i 1930 på Erkegarden på Bjørke av byggherre John Mork og medhjelparar. John Mork vart til dagleg kalla «Bukke-Jo». Han teikna sjølv dette spesielle tømmerhuset, bygd av stokkar henta på Skodje.

Google streetview: www.google.no/maps/@62.104668,6.5650003,3a,75y,35.56h,93....

Once a thriving diamond mining town, Kolmanskop in Namibia now stands abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by the shifting desert sands. Sunlight filters through broken windows, casting eerie shadows over rooms where life once flourished but now only whispers of the past remain.

I never thought I would miss a boat park.

Not the swings, not the slides,

but boats resting under the sun,

tied to wooden posts,

dreaming quietly on the water.

Here, the river holds them gently,

as if each boat were a memory

anchored in my heart.

And in that silence,

I see myself

someone who once belonged completely,

before distance stretched my shadow

across another land.

Living away taught me how invisible I could become.

A foreigner, just another face,

never quite trusted, never quite chosen.

Even when my lens spoke clearly,

people looked past it,

mistaking value for cost,

mistaking belonging for a passport.

Yet here in Brazil,

things were different.

Here, the boats are enough.

The water does not ask where I was born.

The sky does not charge me for its color.

The clouds don’t care what language I speak.

Here, I am simply home.

These small boats, waiting like children in a park,

remind me of what it means to return

to walk the edges of a place that formed me,

to breathe in the salt and the blue,

to feel saudade not as absence,

but as proof that love never leaves.

So I hold onto this image,

this moment,

this laughter of boats against the river.

And I whisper to the horizon:

I miss you,

I will always miss you,

because you are the place where my soul

learned to rest,

and where it still longs to be.

A solitary blue boathouse stands elevated above still waters, its fading paint and barred windows whispering tales of time gone by.

nenadstojkovicart.com/

You can find a large number of full-resolution photos under a Creative Commons license on my official website: nenadstojkovicart.com/albums

– Cape Cod Coast

Under the big sky of the Texas Hill Country, time stands still at Specht’s Store — a weathered bar and grill that’s been the heart of this land for over a century. Tin roof painted in Lone Star pride, porch flags dancing in the dry wind, and the scent of mesquite and long stories filling the air. This isn’t just a building — it’s a living memory, a gathering place where history and heat linger in every red brick and rusted mailbox. The light hits different here — honest, warm, and proud, just like Texas itself.

Сome to my group👋

A winding road curves gently through a lush forest, framed by the warm glow of late afternoon sunlight. The trees arch above, casting shadows that dance across the pavement. Billboards and rustic wooden structures peek out along the path, adding a touch of human presence to the otherwise serene natural setting. This peaceful scene captures the harmony between man-made paths and the untamed beauty of nature, glowing in hues of gold and green.

A quiet cobblestone alley in the heart of Trondheim, framed by the contrast of green wooden facades and red brick walls. Once bustling with trade and local life, these narrow backstreets now offer a glimpse into the city’s layered history and architectural heritage.

Fun fact:

Many of Trondheim’s old alleys, known locally as smug, were originally built for easy access between the busy waterfront and merchant houses. Some of them still follow the same paths laid out in the Middle Ages.

Donate: PayPal & Venmo | Join: Patreon

7 October 2012

Thanks to SkeletalMess for the use of this texture

2 texture by Jerri Jones:

RusticCharm shadowhousecreations.blogspot.com/

photo rights reserved by Ben

We are on our way to Udabno. In the distance, we can already see the village, nestled among the colorful hills and bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. In the valley below, countless cows are grazing peacefully in the evening quiet. Udabno is located in the east of Georgia — a world of vast emptiness and rolling hills, near the border with Azerbaijan, and forms a fascinating contrast to the green, mountainous parts of the country. Here, an impressive semi-desert landscape unfolds, with colorful hills, dusty trails, and endless horizons. The earth shines in shades of yellow, red, and brown, especially when the sun hangs low in the sky, and the silence is almost tangible. Not far from the village of Udabno lies a small lake, better known as the swimming lake — a hidden gem in this rugged environment. This peaceful, natural lake is surrounded by gently rolling semi-desert hills and vast open plains.

Because it is a natural lake, its water level changes with the seasons. Thanks to its remote location, the lake feels incredibly serene — you’ll likely have the entire landscape to yourself. The calm water mirrors the endless sky, and the surroundings are perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, or simply soaking in the silence. Occasionally, shepherds pass by with their flocks, adding to the timeless, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Especially in the early morning or during sunset, when the light turns golden and the hills glow in warm tones, the little lake feels truly magical.

Driving towards Udabno, we watched the village appear between colorful hills, glowing under the setting sun. In the valley, cows grazed peacefully in the evening light. Udabno lies in eastern Georgia, where endless semi-desert hills stretch toward the horizon, forming a striking contrast to the country’s lush mountains. Nearby, a small natural lake — often called the swimming lake — rests quietly among the rolling hills. Its water level shifts with the seasons, and the peaceful surroundings invite slow walks, quiet moments, and sunset views. Occasionally, shepherds and their flocks pass by, adding a timeless charm to this remote and magical place.

We zijn onderweg naar Udabno. In de verte zien we het dorp al liggen, verscholen tussen de kleurrijke heuvels en badend in het warme licht van de ondergaande zon. In het dal grazen talloze koeien, rustig in de avondstilte. Udabno ligt in het oosten van Georgië — een wereld van uitgestrekte leegte en golvende heuvels, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan, en vormt een fascinerend contrast met de groene, bergachtige delen van het land. Hier ontvouwt zich een indrukwekkend halfwoestijnachtig landschap met kleurrijke heuvels, stoffige paden en eindeloze horizonten. De aarde kleurt in tinten geel, rood en bruin, vooral wanneer de zon laag aan de hemel staat, en de stilte is bijna tastbaar. Niet ver van het dorp Udabno ligt een klein meertje, beter bekend als het zwemmeertje — een verborgen pareltje in deze ruige omgeving. Dit vredige, natuurlijke meer wordt omringd door glooiende halfwoestijnheuvels en uitgestrekte vlaktes. Omdat het een natuurlijk meer is, verandert het waterniveau afhankelijk van het seizoen. Door de afgelegen ligging voelt het meertje ongelooflijk sereen aan; vaak heb je het hele landschap voor jezelf. Het kalme water weerspiegelt de eindeloze hemel, en de omgeving is perfect voor rustige wandelingen, picknicks of simpelweg genieten van de stilte. Af en toe trekken herders met hun kuddes voorbij, wat bijdraagt aan de tijdloze, bijna dromerige sfeer. Vooral in de vroege ochtend of tijdens zonsondergang, wanneer het licht goudkleurig wordt en de heuvels oplichten in warme tinten, voelt het meertje werkelijk magisch aan.

A striking image of an old, rusted car engulfed by a resilient tree, symbolizing nature’s power to reclaim and outlast human creations. The contrast between decay and life tells a profound story of time, resilience, and renewal.

Donate: PayPal & Venmo | Join: Patreon

In the heart of Namibia’s arid landscape stands a crumbling house, a silent relic of a bygone era. Surrounded by the endless desert, it tells a story of human ambition, struggle, and the ultimate surrender to nature’s relentless forces.

Once a trusted partner in countless builds, now rusted into retirement—this vintage hand saw clings to a sunbaked wall in Rancho Bernardo, California. Its blade dulled by years and its grip faded by hands long gone, it stands not as a tool, but as a relic. A story without words, etched in iron and grain.

A black and white capture of wooden houses standing quietly near the biathlon stadium, framed by the stunning backdrop of the Tatra Mountains. A glimpse into the rustic charm of Podhale, where history meets nature.

Handle, or better a small part of if, the handle diameter of approx. 25 mm not completely shown, length less than 35 mm.

Today, only three photos for this week Macro Mondays theme “String” or “Strings”. Lightning with two LED strips originally for magnetic mounting below furniture.

Feel free to leave comments and constructive feedback. No P1/C1 or seen in group and similar.

A serene moment captured at sunset in the rolling hills of Monte Antico, Tuscany. The silhouette of a cat sits peacefully among wildflowers, backlit by the golden glow of the setting sun, with the iconic Tuscan landscape in the distance. A perfect reflection of the tranquility and beauty of rural Italy.

in the tranquil embrace of an early morning in south tyrol, near lüsen, the first light delicately brushes the mountain peaks, casting a warm, golden hue that contrasts against the shadowed valleys below. the solitude of the small house, nestled amidst a sea of evergreen, speaks to the peace of a day yet to begin. captured with the leica sl3 and sigma 50mm dg dn art f/1.2, the scene captures the quiet beauty of nature’s awakening.

Esta casa típica da Ericeira exibe a tradicional arquitetura da vila. O ambiente remete à tranquilidade e ao espírito acolhedor desta vila piscatória, conhecida pelas suas ruas pitorescas e pela forte ligação ao mar.

as I walked through the narrow streets of Felanitx, I saw him standing in the doorway, still and silent. I framed the shot, hoping he wouldn’t notice, but of course, he did. our eyes met, and I approached, telling him I had to take the photo. he looked at the picture, studying it carefully, then thanked me and wished me a good night. it was a quiet, almost intimate moment in the solitude of the evening.

Captured in the serene early hours from my hotel terrace in St. Julian’s, Malta, this photograph once again demonstrates the transformative power of light in photography. On a somber, overcast day, the view of Balluta Bay appears dull and uninspiring—a collision of disparate architectural styles, with buildings displaying a weathered patina scattered randomly around the bay. However, with the emergence of a radiant sunrise, the same scene undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis. Suddenly, the view of Balluta Bay reveals a panorama of unparalleled beauty. Turquoise waters contrast beautifully with their surroundings, and the weathered buildings exude a rustic charm. The illuminated swimming pool provides a delightful finishing touch. At this moment, Balluta Bay feels like the perfect place to spend some time, where you'd love to linger and soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea while experiencing Malta – St Julian’s, Malta

....the other day, another "find"...pp - photomatix